VI
EN
Most people choose ideal locations for viewing flowers, such as historical sites and parks.
Japan
Throughout Japan, the peak cherry blossom season is in late March and early April. In a few places, the blossoms may appear sporadically as early as January. In some years, the cherry blossom season can even extend until May in the north.
This forecast is based on data analysis from 2016, 2017, and the Japan Meteorological Association. In 2018, the cherry blossom season is predicted to arrive slightly earlier in central and southern Japan. The best time to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo is around March 26th, in Hiroshima April 1st, in Osaka April 2nd, and in Kyoto April 4th. Visitors should also remember that most cherry blossoms only bloom for about a week.
Mount Fuji in Japan, with its picturesque scenery, is a world-famous cherry blossom destination. The ideal spot for viewing the blossoms is around bus stop number 17.
The ancient capital of Kyoto is the most beautiful place for Japanese-style cherry blossom viewing picnics. "Hanami" is an activity that reminds people to live life to the fullest. These "hanami" picnics (Japanese for cherry blossom viewing) are a common occurrence in spring throughout Japan. People gather to chat and eat under the blossoming cherry trees.
Taiwan
Taiwan has a warmer climate than Japan and South Korea, so cherry blossoms bloom earlier, from the end of January to mid-April.
Notable examples include Alishan National Forest Reserve, which attracts thousands of visitors each year to admire the winding railway tracks and the endless rows of Yoshino cherry trees. Another is Wuling Farm, a lush green area with exotic flowers and a peaceful setting, making it a year-round attraction. When spring arrives, a variety of cherry blossoms burst into bloom, transforming the farm and surrounding hills into a "fairyland."
Korea
South Korea is a country with many cherry blossom trees, with viewing spots spread throughout the cities. These include: Incheon, Gyeongju, Gangwon-do, Seoul, Jeolla, Deagu, Gwangju, Busan, Jeju Island, and more.
Participating in the cherry blossom festival in South Korea, besides picnicking and eating kimbap under the blooming cherry trees, visitors also have the opportunity to participate in traditional festivals with lively drum performances and many other interesting activities in each city. There are also many diverse options for cherry blossom viewing tours in South Korea.
China
In early January, visitors to Kunming, Yunnan, China, can admire the vibrant pink cherry blossoms lining many streets. Spring here is made even more special by the widespread pink hues of the cherry blossoms. Thousands of cherry trees are planted throughout the streets of Kunming. These flowers bloom only once during spring, attracting a large number of tourists to admire them.
America
The title of "Cherry Blossom Capital of the World" is awarded to the city of Macon, Georgia, USA. In Macon, over 300,000 Yoshino cherry trees bloom in spring, covering the city in carpets of striking pink and white blossoms. Macon is also the venue for the annual International Cherry Blossom Festival.
Another must-see cherry blossom viewing spot is Washington D.C., with over 3,000 cherry trees. In 1912, the U.S. capital received these precious gifts from Tokyo as a symbol of friendly relations. Since then, cherry blossoms have bloomed in America, becoming a charming spring destination. More than 1.5 million visitors attend the cherry blossom festival in Washington D.C. every year.
Sweden
In Stockholm, Sweden, there is a day dedicated to cherry blossoms, April 19th every year. Kungsträdgården is a wonderful place to see them, with 63 Japanese cherry trees planted in 1998 that bloom in mid-April.
Ngoc Anh (TH)
